The Department of Environment (DoE) and the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) which seeks to expand education and research, in order to investigate and alleviate “the negative effects of environmental pollution on blood,” which is essential for good health. The agreement also “propagates the value of blood donation” and preserving the environment, IRNA reports. According to the three-year MoC, the two organizations will exchange knowledge and experience in organizing specialized workshops and educational training.